Description: DXi FM is a FM emulation synthesizer ios app, similar to 4 op Yamaha synthesizers from the 1980s. It features 4 operators, 8 algorithms, Envelope, Frequency (Ratio or Fixed), Waveform (12 types), Feedback control on operator number 4 and 2 master effects.

Review
This review is a long time coming as the app has been out for several years. As of writing this review the latest version is 3.6.1. Nevertheless DXi FM is a very capable FM synthesizer that includes several cool features not found on the original 4 Op Yamaha synths it’s emulating.

Unlike the Yamaha DX 7 which had 6 operators, DXi has 4 instead. The equivalent Yamaha synth would be something like a DX100, DX27, TX81Z, etc. These synths were great for bass and bell sounds. The DXi features 8 algorithms, Envelope, Frequency (Ratio or Fixed), 12 waveform types( including white noise), Feedback Control on operator number 4, 2 master effects (LPF with Resonance and Delay), Unison Mode, Spectrum and oscilloscope view. You can save the tones you have created with the Import/ Export Function. Also, there is Audio recording and you can save to .wav via iTunes. Included is Clipboard audio sharing support. You can export recorded waveform to other applications via the clipboard. It’s compatible with Intua’s clipboard as well. Support for Core MIDI and background audio and virtual MIDI input. There’s also Audiobus support. And there’s a 16 step sequencer. Don’t remember that on my Yamaha DX 27!

On the preset front we have a selection of classic sounding FM tones, pads, strings and sequences, etc. There’s 69 presets and the rest of 99 slots is for user banks. As usual the presets are a great place to start for creating your own sounds. There are a lot of nice sounds included, much better than anything the original 4 op machines ever had, although we are treated with features that were unheard of back then. Because we have Core MIDI and Audiobus we can go outside the confines of the actual app to add MIDI devices and or apply effects to sounds.

Is it any good? It’s great. It’s cheap at $1.99 and works on the iPad, iPod Touch and iPhone. It’s a straight forward app uncluttered with a great interface influenced by the look of old FM synths. A comparative app TF7 probably knocks the DXi off just with a sleeker interface and several killer features. As a synthesizer that owes itself more to a Yamaha synth without including too many current features, DXi is a great FM synth that will replace some of your hardware to get those cool retro tones with.

Subscribe via Email

iTunes App Search

Synth Universe uses cookies to help provide you with the best browsing experience. If that's OK , please click "ok" and continue browsing the site. If not, please turn off cookies in your browser settings before continuing.OkPrivacy policy